The Power of Messaging: Inspiring Action for Nonprofit Audiences and Open Space Advocates

What makes a shared space like a park or waterfront more than just patches of green and blue in our communities? It’s the stories we tell about them, the connections we foster within them, and the actions we inspire to protect and invigorate them.

As highlighted in the recent State of Public Space 2025 report from the Project for Public Spaces, public spaces are at a crossroads. The report finds that people believe public spaces aren’t living up to their potential and outlines solutions to address concerns like aging infrastructure, access, burdensome red tape and disinvestment, and extreme weather that makes spaces less welcoming. Shared open spaces are vital community assets, but their future depends on how well we communicate their value, engage audiences in the cause, and rally support.

For nonprofit organizations advocating for open spaces and community-centered planning, this is a call to action: your messaging matters more than ever.

Why Messaging Matters: Turning Awareness into Action

Advocacy isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about educating people and moving them to act. Whether it’s building support for an initiative, influencing policy, securing funding, or mobilizing advocates, effective and compelling communications and public relations activities are well poised to help your organization advance its mission and meet its goals. Here’s why:

• Values Drive Action: People act when they connect emotionally with a cause or a place. Data alone won’t inspire change; you need to evoke shared values like community, health, and stewardship through human-and-impact-centered storytelling.
• Clarity Builds Trust: Confusing or generic messaging dilutes impact. Clear, concise, and sustained narratives online, in the press, and among community help audiences understand why your mission matters, how you are making an impact, and how they can contribute.
• Strategic Channels Amplify Reach: From social media to public events, using the right platforms and having an integrated communications and stakeholder engagement campaign ensure your messages reach the right people at the right time.

Solutions for Boston: Building Momentum for Public Spaces

In a city like Boston—rich in history but grappling with urban challenges amid a new era for cities—parks and open spaces are critical to public health and community vitality. Here are actionable steps nonprofits can take to engage the public, businesses, government, and other civic leaders:

• Craft compelling positioning and supportive narratives: Highlight success stories that show both that change is possible and progress is being made on issues that people care about. Use metaphors that resonate emotionally with audiences that tie back to your work (i.e., bringing new programming and infrastructure to a park are a breath of fresh are for both this open space and all who enjoy it). Use data strategically in meetings with city officials while framing it around shared values like equity and public health.
• Engage audiences holistically and with authenticity: Develop key messages and supporting stories that showcase the impact of your work. Tailor messaging for specific demographics—such as using Instagram to engage younger audiences or op-eds to reach policymakers. Identify third party validators who can speak on your behalf, expanding your reach to their network and influencers.

Nonprofits have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead the charge in protecting and enhancing public spaces. But here’s the truth: passion alone isn’t enough. Your message needs to inspire action. Ask yourself:

• Are you clearly communicating why your mission matters?
• Do your messages evoke values that resonate with your audience?
• Are you using the right platforms to reach them effectively?
• If you’re unsure where to start—or want to take your advocacy efforts further—partnering with a strategic communications firm can help you refine your messaging, amplify your voice, and drive real impact.

Want to learn more or have a conversation about your needs? Denterlein is an independent, certified woman-owned agency based in Boston with national reach that specializes

in helping mission-driven organizations amplify their impact and achieve strategic goals.